DETROIT — The Detroit Lions have suddenly found a spark in their return game, and it arrived the moment veteran receiver Tom Kennedy stepped back onto the field.
Kennedy, one of the longest-serving players on the roster, appeared in just his second game of the season during Detroit’s 44–30 victory over the Dallas Cowboys — and immediately made his mark on special teams. He handled three kickoff returns for 120 total yards, averaging 40 yards per attempt, and added a 21-yard punt return in the opening quarter that helped launch an early scoring drive. The Lions elevated him from the practice squad on Nov. 26 as injuries mounted in their receiving corps.
“Whenever you get the chance to play, you just want to contribute however you can,” Kennedy said. “I’m just grateful I was able to do that.”
His strong outing followed his season debut on Thanksgiving against Green Bay, when he also produced a 21-yard punt return and averaged 27 yards per kickoff return.
Kennedy’s biggest moment Thursday came with 3:42 remaining. After Dallas cut the deficit with a field goal, the Lions needed a momentum-shifting play — and Kennedy provided it, bursting 42 yards on the ensuing kickoff to set Detroit up near midfield. Three plays later, Jahmyr Gibbs finished the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach at 44–30.
“Tom Kennedy was massive for us,” head coach Dan Campbell said, awarding him a game ball after the win. “He came through in a big way.”
Kennedy noted that return work in games feels vastly different from practice because the full speed and chaos can’t truly be replicated. When asked about his success, he credited the blockers in front of him.
“It’s great blocking,” Kennedy said. “Sometimes all you need is one crease. When you see it, you hit it fast and get north.”
The Lions have been familiar with Kennedy for years — only offensive tackle Taylor Decker has been with the team longer. Kennedy originally arrived in 2019 as an undrafted free agent and has now appeared in 26 games for Detroit. He also caught four passes for 36 yards in his season debut last week.
